This 1997 Mercedes-Benz S500 was sold new in California in July of 1997 to seller’s uncle. It’s remained registered in California since new and the seller acquired the car in 2017. It now shows 160k original miles and is finished in Black (040) over Black Leather (261) with power provided by a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. Factory equipment includes a power sliding glass sunroof, Xenon headlamps, 19" AMG Monoblock wheels, a Becker head unit with Bluetooth integration, soft-close doors, self-leveling rear suspension, heated and power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a Bose audio system. The seller notes extensive records are included in the sale and notes recent services to include a comprehensive oil service, a comprehensive transmission service, primary O2 sensors, a coolant flush, a brake service, suspension service, new mounts, a suspension refresh, an alignment, and much more. A complete list of recent services can be found in the listing. This W140 is now offered for sale by the current owner with thorough service records, a clean Carfax report, spare steering wheel and grille, and a clean California title.
The long-wheelbase body is finished in Black (040) and exterior equipment includes a power tilt/slide glass sunroof, Xenon HID headlamps with heated washers and wipers, heated power door mirrors, remote central locking and soft close doors. The included Carfax report shows a history free from accidents or damage and the seller reports the hood and front bumper were repainted due to rock chips while the rear bumper and quarter panel were repainted due to scuffs. Thorough paint meter readings are included in the gallery.
An authentic set of 19" AMG Aero II monoblock wheels are fitted and come wrapped in a set of Michelin tires showing 2023 date codes. The tires measure 255/40 at all four corners and show good tread. The wheels show some curb rash and delamination around the lips while the faces still show well. OEM center caps are mounted. A spare wheel and jack are located under the trunk floor.
The cabin is upholstered Black Leather (261) with Burl Walnut wood trim lining the center console, dash and door panels. The burl walnut wood shows well with rich color and no cracks. An S600 steering wheel was added by the seller and shows matching veneer at the top and bottom. Both front seats are heated with 14-way power adjustability. Additional features include heated rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, a power adjustable steering column, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a Bose audio system linked to a Becker head unit with bluetooth capability and a CD changer in the trunk. Detailed photos of the cabin are included in the gallery.
The S600 steering wheel fronts analog instrumentation including a 160-mph speedometer, a 7k-rpm tachometer, an analog clock and gauges for fuel level, economy coolant temperature, and oil pressure. The digital odometer currently shows 160k, all of which have been added by single-family ownership.
This W140 is powered by a 5.0-liter DOHC M119 V8 which is rated for 315 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed 722.6 automatic transmission. The seller has provided thorough service records along with comprehensive lists documenting services in the last 15k miles and the last 5k.
Services and parts include:
New parts in the last 5k miles:
-Engine oil and filter
-Engine oil pressure sensor
-Engine oil level sensor
-Engine oil pan gasket
-Engine air filters
-Camshaft adjuster magnets
-Primary oxygen sensors
-Coolant thermostat and hoses
-Coolant flush
-Full transmission service with new fluid, filter, magnet, gasket
-Transmission shifter linkage seal
-Transmission shifter bushings
-Brake master cylinder
-Front and rear brake rotors
-Front and rear brake pads
-Brake fluid flush
-SLS system service with new fluid and filter
-Front lower control arm bushings
-Front ball joints
-Front and rear sway bar links
-Front and rear sway bar bushings
-Tie rods and steering center link
-Steering damper
-Alignment
-Power steering return line from gear box
-Power steering gear box lower seals
-Engine mounts
-Transmission mount
-Front and rear flex discs
-Differential fluid change
-Rear right window regulator
-New Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tires
-New battery
-A/C service
-Windshield wipers
New parts in the last 15k miles:
-New Camshaft oiler tubes replaced with original early metal variants
-New Upper timing chain guides
-New Valve cover gaskets
-New Front shock absorbers
-New Rear shock mounts
-New Spark plugs
-New PCV hoses
-Vacuum hoses
-New Coolant reservoir
-New Fuel filter
The Carfax report shows registration history in California from new. Linear mileage updates are shown with no accidents or damage reports since new on the Carfax. This S500 is now offered for sale by the current owner with thorough service records, a clean Carfax report, spare steering wheel and grille, and a clean California title.
The seller has included videos showing various functions, driving in different conditions, a cold start, and a walk around.
There are very few Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts who don’t appreciate the beauty, engineering, and overall quality of the legendary W140. Mercedes seemingly had an endless budget for development when creating the ultimate S-Class. This example is immediately attractive in timeless Black over Black, reminiscent of the W140 ad material and brochures that we used to fawn over. Adding to the appeal, the facelift body work and 19" AMG monoblock wheels create the perfect period look. While 160k miles isn't the lowest mileage we've seen the single family ownership coupled with those massic service records seemingly make the miles feel irrelevant. This later-year model 1997 S500 has decades of life remaining and still commands classic curbside attention today with superior quality compared to modern day products. You'd be hard pressed to find a higher value vehicle anywhere close to a W140 with uncompromised comfort.
Open Transit:
Enclosed Transit:
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28 Comments
Thank you. I want to inquire putting my 1998 420 up on your site for auction.@JackOwenParker Congratulations!! Well fought and won!! Will get in contact shortlyPlease message me to pay you and schedule a pick up date.$20,500 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$20,250 bid placed by @kd500
$20,000 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$19,750 bid placed by @Whester
$19,500 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$19,250 bid placed by @Whester
$19,000 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$18,750 bid placed by @Whester
$18,500 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$18,250 bid placed by @Whester
$18,000 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$17,750 bid placed by @Whester
$17,500 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$17,250 bid placed by @Kampion2025
$17,000 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$16,750 bid placed by @Kampion2025
$16,249 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$15,999 bid placed by @Kampion2025
$15,745 bid placed by @kd500
$15,495 bid placed by @Whester
$15,245 bid placed by @kd500
$14,995 bid placed by @Edojan
$14,745 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$14,495 bid placed by @kd500
Hello all! As we head into the final hour of the auction, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for the bids, comments, and interest in the car so far. It’s wild to think she’ll be finding a new home today after so long, but I’m confident it’ll be going to a great home. I’ve done my best to document the car as thoroughly as possible through the photos, videos, and service records, and I’ll be on standby to answer any last-minute questions. Best of luck to all!$14,245 bid placed by @Edojan
$13,995 bid placed by @Afagiri
$13,500 bid placed by @Kovalboxer
$13,250 bid placed by @BD450SL
@ZAE55 The soft-close doors work perfectly, you can see them in operation in the functions test video I have provided in the listing at the 8:50 mark. You can also find the clean Carfax report in the listing, located on the right sidebar. I've explained the repaint work in a few comments below yours - feel free to thoroughly check the listing and the comment section as they should have the answers to all your questions. Thank you!$13,000 bid placed by @Edojan
is there a carfax report? looks as if a body repair was done on the left rear quarter panel judging by the paint thickness measurements.$12,500 bid placed by @BD450SL
$12,250 bid placed by @Jasonsamudio
$12,000 bid placed by @Mercedes113
Do the soft close doors work?$11,750 bid placed by @Ehfischer
$11,500 bid placed by @Kampion2025
$11,250 bid placed by @Kovalboxer
$11,000 bid placed by @JackOwenParker
$10,750 bid placed by @Kampion2025
$10,000 bid placed by @Blkjaggy
$9,000 bid placed by @Kovalboxer
$8,750 bid placed by @BD450SL
@alex_mbz I sent you a PM. Please reply at your earliest convenience.@Apo777 There are no problems with the car. I've included a functions test video and several driving videos for reference, along with a full list of services completed in the last 5k miles and 15k miles. You can also reference photos #349-411 for the hard-copy service records and photos #412-461 for detailed undercarriage shots.@Blkjaggy Sure, send me a private message and we can coordinate a time.@subside The car retains its original paint on the majority of the body, with repaint work limited to the bumpers, hood, and driver-side quarter panel. The hood and front bumper were refinished solely due to stone chipping accumulated over the years, which is why the front end presents so well despite the mileage. The rear bumper and driver-side quarter panel were refinished to address cosmetic scuffing and blemishes. For full transparency, I've included thorough paint meter readings in the gallery (check pictures #267-315). I do have the original front plate bracket and front plate, both of which will be included with the sale. I chose not to mount the front plate for cosmetic reasons and have never had any issues with it here in California.Is there anything wrong or does it have any problems at all?@alex_mbz can I come see the car in person?$8,500 bid placed by @Kampion2025
Was this car repainted? I am amazed at the lack of stone chips on the front for the miles. Also, in CA don't you have to have a front plate? Where are the mounting holes in the bumper for the plate?@Eberseymour Yes, it does have the power rear sun shade. You can see it in the functions test video around the 4:47 mark.Does this car have the rear sun screen-- out of 461 pictures-- I see a button for a rear sun screen- in the center console-- but no pictures??? Can anyone please help?$8,250 bid placed by @BD450SL
@mbz2000 They are similar, but not the same car. You can check the VIN in each listing and compare them.$8,000 bid placed by @Ecar7
Forgive me but is this not the same car that was listed and sold a few months ago on here? I know Blakley sold his and then another one appeared and sold. This pictures/setting/background look identical. Maybe seller has more than one w140?$7,750 bid placed by @Kappo
$7,500 bid placed by @BD450SL
$7,250 bid placed by @Jasonsamudio
$7,000 bid placed by @Mercedes113
$6,500 bid placed by @Lyubimchik0000
$6,250 bid placed by @Allmercs
@jimseeger The car was always dealer-serviced and maintained at Mercedes-Benz of Thousand Oaks prior to my ownership, but I do not have the hard-copy records. The complete HVAC system works flawlessly, for both hot and cold. All vents blow air with no issues.It seems that the actual service/repair records exist from your initial ownership beginning 8/17 up to 4/26. Apparently no other hard-copy service/repair records exist prior to 8/17 (?). Do you have anecdotal historical information on the car prior to your ownership that you can share? I saw where it had an A/C service. Is it accurate to say that the complete HVAC system, front and rear, function properly? Thanks again!@jimseeger No problem! The 19" AMG Monoblocks were designed specifically for the W140 (part number 140-400-09-02) so it would not affect the speedometer. If you compare the stock 16" wheel with 235/60/16 tire vs AMG 19" wheel with 255/40/19 tire, they have a near identical diameter and circumference. You can check this out by inputting both tire specs for comparison here: https://tiresize.com/comparison/Did the monoblocks affect the speedometer (?) and if so please elaborate. Thanks again.@alex_mbz Thank you.@jimseeger Yes, the OEM S500 grill and steering wheel will be provided with the sale (check picture #337). I no longer have the stock 16" wheels. For the radio, I wanted Bluetooth connectivity without sacrificing the original Becker radio. So I sent the Becker unit to Becker Autosound (original manufacturer) for them to install an internal Bluetooth audio streaming module (check pictures #388 & #389). You can find more details in their eBay listing here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/266865141225 Hope this helps!Do you have the OEM wheels, grill and steering wheel? Please explain a bit more regarding the radio blue tooth combination. Thank you@Boatymcboatface Thank you!$6,000 bid placed by @cjaubert
$5,500 bid placed by @Ehfischer
Hello all, and welcome to the auction for my beloved 1997 S500! As you can probably tell, I have put in a great amount of love and care into this fine automobile during my long-term ownership. I'm a perfectionist who has spared no expense in keeping this car looking and functioning as good as new. Mechanically and electrically, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this car - everything works and functions as it should, as seen in the multiple driving and function test videos I have provided. As you can see from the photos, videos, and service documentation, this is one of the cleanest W140 examples on the market in recent times, with tasteful upgrades like the rare (and pricey) 19" AMG Monoblock wheels and S600 grill/steering wheel. It's been garage-kept since new and shows no signs of outdoor-related aging like faded/cracked wood trim, cracked seat leather, faded chrome/copper trims, and shrunken rubber seals commonly seen on pretty much every other W140 out there. For anyone familiar with the W140 chassis, these cars are overbuilt and engineered like no other car out there. It lives up to its reputation of being built like a tank and made to last a lifetime, and it has never left me stranded a single time. The massive amounts of service (both active and preventative) I've done to this car in the last 5k miles alone guarantee many, many more trouble-free miles ahead. You would be hard-pressed finding a better sorted example anywhere out there currently. Feel free to ask any questions and I'll be here to answer them promptly. Best of luck to all!Really impressive example and recent work is what you're also buying here. Tasteful upgrades and ready for many more miles. Well done seller.